The Melbourne Storm are wary of a resurgent Sydney Roosters, who believe their gritty last round win over the Warriors could be a turning point in their NRL season.

The 2010 grand finalists have had a shocking start to the year, managing only four wins.

However the Roosters recently held "truth talks" about their poor form and reaped immediate rewards last weekend with a 13-6 victory over the Warriors, their rock-solid defence a highlight.

Skipper Braith Anasta, who was inspirational for his side, said afterwards he was hopeful the performance could be a springboard for the rest of the season.

Ahead of Monday night's clash at AAMI Park, veteran Storm prop Bryan Norrie said his team, minus State of Origin representatives Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Dane Nielsen, were on guard for a rejuvenated Roosters outfit.

"They haven't had as many wins as they'd like but, when you watch their games, they're a really dangerous side," Norrie said.

"They've got a lot of good players so we've got our work cut out. We definitely won't be taking them lightly."

The Sydneysiders are certain to test rookie halfback Rory Kostjasyn, who is stepping in for Cronk despite limited experience in the halves.

Norrie described his 23-year-old teammate as a "perfectionist" and said Kostjasyn would welcome any challenge.

"He's a very good player and the boys have got confidence in him doing a good job," Norrie said.

"Last week, he came off the bench and really picked up our side. He had a lot of impact and he deserves his spot."

Kostjasyn usually spends time at hooker or lock so his defence shouldn't be a weakness.

Norrie, who had an option to leave Melbourne at season's end, said the Storm were confident they had the depth to overcome the loss of their spine of stars.

"Most of the guys have played plenty of first grade. Everyone's confident in the side we're going to have on Monday night," he said.

"There's still plenty of experience with players like Sika Manu, Adam Blair, Todd Lowrie and Ryan Hinchcliffe."

The Roosters are also without representatives Mitchell Pearce, Nate Myles and Anthony Minichiello, while they have been rocked by a growing list of injuries, with 14 members of the top 25 squad unavailable.

In some much-needed good news, Kiwi international Sam Perrett was expected to play after being sidelined since round three with an ankle injury.

"I would love to be out there this weekend and I am confident that I will be," Perrett said.

"I just have to be sure I am 100 per cent because, after this week, we have the bye so that would give me an extra two weeks of rehab if I wasn't ready.

"I am getting real excited about playing because I am sick of sitting around while the boys are out there on the field."

The Roosters are seeking back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

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